Are you craving a mouthwatering, hearty meal that will warm your soul and impress your entire family? Look no further than this incredible Instant Pot Beef Stew! In just under an hour, you'll transform simple ingredients into a rich, flavor-packed dish that falls somewhere between grandma's home cooking and gourmet restaurant quality. Imagine tender beef chunks, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a savory broth that will have everyone asking for seconds – and this recipe makes it possible with minimal effort!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 potatoes, cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cube the beef chuck into bite-sized pieces, slice the carrots, cube the potatoes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. This will help streamline the cooking process.
- Set your Instant Pot to the 'Sauté' function. Once it’s hot, add a small amount of oil (about 1-2 tablespoons) to the pot.
- When the oil is shimmering, add the cubed beef chuck to the pot in a single layer. Sear the beef for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is browned on all sides. This step enhances the flavor of the stew.
- Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Next, add the sliced carrots and cubed potatoes to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Pour in the 4 cups of beef broth, ensuring that the ingredients are mostly submerged. This will provide the necessary liquid for the pressure cooking process.
- Add the thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to distribute the spices evenly throughout the stew.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the pressure release valve is set to 'Sealing'. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and set the cooking time for 35 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes. After this, carefully switch the pressure release valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- Once all the pressure has been released and the pin has dropped, carefully open the lid. Stir the stew gently to combine the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the beef stew hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: For maximum tenderness, always use beef chuck. Its marbling ensures the meat becomes melt-in-your-mouth delicious during pressure cooking.
- Searing is Key: Don't skip the browning step! This technique develops deep, rich flavors that elevate the entire stew.
- Layer Ingredients Strategically: Place harder vegetables like carrots and potatoes at the bottom of the pot to ensure even cooking.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for the first 10 minutes. This helps the meat become extra tender and lets flavors meld together.
- Customize Your Stew: Feel free to add additional herbs like rosemary or bay leaves for extra depth of flavor.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 110mg
